However Túrin Turambar, a Man and an influential commander of Nargothrond's forces, urged King Orodreth to venture out and fight the forces of Morgoth.

The Elves of Nargothrond, though, were not used to open battle for they had always waged a guerilla war, ambushing but never assaulting the forces of Morgoth. Also, the evil hosts were larger than anticipated and led by the DragonGlaurung.

The forces of Nargothrond could not withstand the assault and were driven towards the plain of Tumhalad, were most of them, including King Orodreth and the Elf-lord Gwindor, were slain. Only Túrin withstood the attack of Glaurung, as he wore the Dwarven-crafted Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin.